Fibra: Born from Nature. Built for You.
What is a bike? Is it a machine for speed? A piece of gear? A way to get from point A to B? To some, it’s about watts and wins. But for others, it’s something more: a reason to slow down, to explore, to breathe.
To me, a bike is freedom. It’s a quiet companion on winding trails, a bridge between solitude and scenery. Fibra was built for that kind of rider. Not to race. Not to impress. But to move with you, fluidly and effortlessly, wherever the trail leads.
Project Summary
Fibra is a 3D-printed gravel bike designed for everyday explorers; people who hike, ride, and roam for the joy of movement, not for speed or stats. Built for the in-between adventurer, it bridges the gap between heavy gear and race bikes with a lightweight, intuitive design made to move easily between trails, campsites, and scenic routes.
Goal
To design and build a lightweight, 3D-printed gravel bike that encourages everyday adventurers to connect more deeply with the outdoors. Blending biomimicry, sustainable manufacturing, and user-centric design to inspire active, intentional movement beyond the pavement.
Team
Shalimar Talbi
Time Frame
20 weeks
Tools
Solidworks
Keyshot
Adobe Creative Cloud
Skills
Research & UX Collaboration
Prototyping
3D Modeling & CAD
Design Communication
Reconnecting Through Design
In a world dominated by screens and structured environments, people are growing distant from their natural instincts and the outdoors. Research shows that spending time outside boosts mood, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. This project explores how thoughtful design can bridge that gap, integrating trends like soft adventure, digital wellness, and sustainable play to create experiences that encourage movement, curiosity, and a deeper connection with nature.
Fibra draws inspiration from the skeletal efficiency of the gazelle, the porous strength of coral, and the natural lattice systems in bone anatomy. These biological references inform both the bike’s aesthetic and its functional integrity, where every curve, joint, and void exists for a reason.
Like bones shaped by motion and evolution, Fibra’s frame is lightweight, durable, and moves seamlessly with the rider. Its organic geometry isn’t just decorative, it reflects a system of support, stress distribution, and balance.
This is a bike for those who explore for the joy of it, made for hikers, weekend campers, and curious wanderers. Bridging the gap between ultralight race bikes and bulky all-terrain models, Fibra meets you where you are and takes you where you want to go with ease, style, and intention.
Form in Motion
The sketching process focused on how the bike would feel, not just how it would look. I explored frame geometries that supported weight reduction, ease of carrying, and comfort in movement.
Each line was drawn with intention, testing how the structure might flow with the body in motion, and how it could adapt across terrain.
Rather than forcing a shape, I let usability lead the way, working through proportions, ergonomics, and transitions to create a frame that’s intuitive, efficient, and built to move.
From Pipe to Print
The prototyping process began with Q-tip skeletons to quickly explore proportion and structural flow. This evolved into full-scale PVC mockups to evaluate ergonomics and liftability, followed by small 3D prints to refine form and balance.
The process culminated in CNC-machined models and high-fidelity 3D prints, translating early concepts into refined, purpose-built frames.
App Integration
To complement the physical bike, Fibra includes a thoughtfully designed companion app created in collaboration with a UX designer. The app extends the experience beyond the ride, giving users tools to personalize, maintain, and connect.
Key features include:
- Body Scan Fit Tool: Use a 3D body scan to get a bike frame tailored to your proportions and preferences.
- Custom Parts Shop: Order replacement parts or upgrades that fit your bike perfectly.
- Ride Tracker: Log your rides, discover new routes, and stay motivated through gentle, non-competitive tracking.
- Community Hub: Share photos, tips, and trail discoveries with fellow Fibra riders.
- Service Reminders: Get notified when it's time to check components, clean your frame, or perform simple tune-ups.
The goal isn’t just to ride, it’s to build a relationship with your bike and the outdoors, supported by digital tools that feel empowering, not overwhelming.
Outcome
Fibra is more than a bike, it’s a response to a lifestyle that values movement, nature, and simplicity. Through hands-on prototyping, biomimetic design, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the final outcome is a functional, visually compelling concept that blends innovation with real-world usability. Fibra invites everyday explorers to reconnect with the outdoors, on their own terms.
Moving Forward
Next steps for Fibra include exploring scalable production methods, such as advanced composite printing, to bring the concept closer to market viability. Continued collaboration with engineers, outdoor brands, and app developers will help refine the bike’s performance and ecosystem. Expanding the brand strategy and community features will further position Fibra as more than a product: a movement toward accessible, intuitive, and nature-connected mobility.
